BAGHDAD: Iraqi police officials say that clashes between Iraqi soldiers and militants with the Islamic State, formerly known as Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham (ISIS), south of Baghdad have killed four soldiers. The hour-long clashes took place in Latifiyah, some 30 kilometers south of Baghdad.

At least 14 militants were also killed in the clashes, and the rest were forced to retreat, the official said.

Hospital officials confirmed the casualty figures.

Militants with the IS group have waged a fierce offensive this year across large swaths of northern and western Iraq.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2014